A Design Portfolio
By Drew Blackledge
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Modular Mobility
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Modular Massing
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Tortello Expansion Private Residence
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Zenzi Den Rolling Hills Solar Home Landscape Zine
8 Chabao Map
Personal Brand
This sample shows an exploration of a personal brand. Through the examination of common themes in my work across mediums, a brand identity was created referencing, natural shapes, earthy colors, modularity, and playfulness. These concepts are brought to life on a word mark, an abstract mark, and a combination mark. The branding guidelines were then put into practice through mock-ups and this portfolio.
Modular Mobility
A system for pop-up art exhibitions anywhere one can imagine. An accordion style framework that can expand on site and host a range of modules giving artists the freedom to design custom exhibits based on their work and location. Applying sustainable principles through extension of use and customization.
Modular Massing
Overview
Modular Massing is a modular system created on a grid. The triangular prism and the trapezoidal prism make up the system which can be interlocked or connected allowing flexibility for use and setup allowing specific extended cognition and versatility. The bases of
the forms have built in toe kicks and can be set up to different heights allowing the system to be set up in accessible manners for occupants. The pieces are constructed in a 3 layer system allowing circularity through repair and reuse.
An application of this modular massing system is display systems in rotating exhibition galleries. The render above visualizes this system in Heaven Gallery’s existing space in
Chicago. There are countless arrangements artists can create to enhance visitors’ exhibit experience. The point layout in this gallery represent “the 6-way” in Wicker Park.
Tortello Expansion
The client requested a rendering package during construction for marketing. These renders were used to secure Holiday bookings while the space was in construction. The client requested that the furniture be omitted and that the space be portrayed in a casual style. The finishes in construction were directly transfered into the render to produce truthful visualizations.
Photo of space nearing completion of construction
Private Residence
This project worked directly with a client to bring their personal style into their home. The first phase covered the downstairs spaces. Rendering was incorporated in spaces that were hard for the client to imagine.
My colleague and I created mood boards, material palettes, plans, elevations, and renders to support conceptual and schematic meetings with the client. This work sample shows a mood board, palette, and rendering I created early on in this project. The visualizations of the design were altered after each meeting in adjustment to client feedback.
This project required multiple investor visualization throughout renders were used in client and materials and furnishings.
Den
rounds of renders for client and throughout the schematic faze. These and investor meetings to decide on
The client requested an accurate lighting atmosphere and a sketchier render while maintaining accurate visual representation of materials.
ROLLING HILLS SOLAR HOME
Knot Wood Light Oak
Pietra Forte
Lay: Rustica
Fluted
Limestone
Knot Wood Light Oak
Recycled Aluminum
Double Paned
Insulated Glass
Material Study
building also flows towards the atrium to be released at the top. This flow of air keeps the air fresh and cool by naturally ridding of stale and hot air. This cycle also allows oxygen released by plants in the greenhouse to flow throughout the house.
Landscape Zine
The project negotiates my relationship with nature and landscape through growing up solely living in dense urban area. 20 original zines were produced through physical collage, digital adaptation, artificial intelligence, and original digital creation.
The inspiration for this project comes from living in the heart of Florence, Italy. Upon arrival, I had no knowledge of the lack of public green space within the city center. This became a large strain on mental health while living abroad; so much so, that I actively sought out nature.
The collages in this zine play with dystopic and utopic envisions of the relationship between the urban fabric and the natural. What is ideal to me may not be ideal to others. How we live and communicate with nature is entirely personal.
Explaining my though process behind each collage disrupts personal experience and interpreation the same was as if I had made this zine to tell you how to experience nature.
The Chabao memory making map encompasses the proposed zoning for the tourism plan. Specified paths along the way guide visitors through the proposed architectural sites with thematic experiences: Tea and Wellness.
The map details roads, paths, and bridges for ease of navigation through the site. It also begins to familiarize visitors with site landmarks through drawings of prominent buildings. Visitors can experience these sites through experiences designating paths from each activity to the next or use this map as their guide to freely explore the site.
The map style is inspired from historical Chinese maps, perspective, and imagery directly from the site. Using the river as a guide and the mountains as a boarder, one can experience rural culture and serenity on a path C H A B A O M
A Design Portfolio
By Drew Blackledge